THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 12, 1994 TAG: 9408120067
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SAREIT HESS, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
AN ACCOMPLISHED opera singer is what Valerie Hart dreams of becoming, and she is well on her way.
In the fall, Valerie, a rising junior at Cox High School in Virginia Beach, will join the Virginia Opera Company as the youngest member in the adult choir. She also attends the Governor's Magnet School for the Arts and recently returned after visiting music schools in New York.
Full name: Valerie Elaine Hart
Birthdate: Jan. 19, 1978
Birthplace: Norfolk
Siblings: Catherine, 20; Will, 18; and Gregory, 14
What is your idea of a perfect day off: Being home alone and asleep!
Last smart thing you did: Got a job.
Last dumb thing you did: Fell asleep in class
Favorite meal: Turkey and swiss sandwich from Taste Unlimited
Favorite song: ``That's What Friends Are For,'' by Dionne Warwick
Last book read: Biography of Rush Limbaugh (``I hated it.'')
Hobbies: Swimming and singing
Best date you've been on: Went to dinner and the movies with a great guy.
Worst date you've been on: It was a blind double date with a friend of mine on Valentine's Day. We ended up paying for everything and finally ditched the guys at the movies.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: I can't take constructive criticism very well, so I would like to be more open-minded.
If you could change one thing about your parents, what would it be?: They worry too much, so I want them to stop worrying all the time.
Secret vice: I meditate to relax.
Favorite restaurant: Pargos
Favorite place to shop: Northern Virginia or Georgetown
Your favorite night on the town: Dancing
Favorite TV shows: ``Wings'' and ``Sanford and Son''
Last vacation: Washington, D.C.
Pets: Yorkshire terrier named Silver
Best job: Getting paid for acting
Worst job: Fast-food cashier. I was a burger babe!
What achievements are you most proud of: Being a good singer
What would you like to be in 10 years?: Opera singer in New York
If you could change one thing in America, what would it be and why?: To have a female president. Women are more sensitive to the issues and would consider all options before jumping.
Heroes and role models: My opera teacher, Alan Fischer. He pushes me to perform better.
Your most unique trait: Singing opera
Best subject: English
Worst subject: P.E. and health MEMO: Sareit Hess is a rising sophomore at Bayside High
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
Valerie Hart is joining the Virginia Opera Company as the youngest
member of its adult choir.
KEYWORDS: INTERVIEW
by CNB